Customer Reviews

The Citadel of Chaos (Fighting Fantasy Gamebook)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Citadel of Chaos is the second book in the successful Fighting Fantasy gamebook series, written by Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone. In this medieval style gamebook, you play the part of a wizard/warrior hero, sent to prevent an invasion, by slaying a Dark Sorcerer Warlord called 'Balthus Dire'.

In the adventure, you have to journey to Dire's citadel, explore his dastardly maze-like fortress, overcoming traps, hostile fantasy creatures and collecting certain artefacts; which you must find to complete you quest. If you manage to avoid being imprisoned or killed, you can face Balthus Dire in a melodramatic fight to the death.

This FF book is not the best one ever written but, without doubt, is an absolute FF classic. The second book in the series, the first one written by Steve on his own, the Citadel of Chaos has all the fresh enthusiasm of a first work. The traps, monsters and situations are original and exciting; a must for all FF readers.

Another thing that tipped the balance for me was the wonderfully wicked way Dire keeps putting you down when you confront him in his lair. I have vivid recollections of being branded as an 'impudent peasant' by the shaven headed scourge of Allansia. The ending is especially satisfying, if you get that far that is...

Citadel of Chaos is the second in the wonderful series that is Fighting Fantasy. Here, your job as the star pupil of a powerful wizard, is to slay a malevolent leader that is amassing an army of evil. The introduction of magic into the series is excellent, making many encounters decided by finesse rather than by "boring" hand to hand combat. Personally, I like FF gamebooks that have something in addition to Skill, Stamina and Luck. Typical of many gamebooks, the adventure climaxes in a battle with a powerful foe. However, the book contains many interesting encounters leading up to the final foe that makes it stand out from an ordinary "dungeon romp". All in all, this book is worthy of any Fighting Fantasy collection.

I would have to say that this book is one on my favourites. I have got the entire series and can say without a doubt that this must rank as one of the best! - Although it took me a while, slaying Balthus Dire is extremely satisfying! (e-mail me for info on the other titles! )

The Citadel of Chaos is a novel that warns you--once you enter this castle, you may never leave, both figuratively and literally. Not only may your character perish within the archaic walls or the mythical creatures, but you will not want to put this book down.

This is how Dungeon and Dragons should be--minimal ramp-up time, but maximal enjoyment. Your character's job is to slay Balthius Dire. Simple, right? Easy, just kill one man, correct?

Well, lemme tell ya something, my brothers and sisters, to even get to this man,let alone administer a fatal blow, you have to first get into the citadel, which is not an easy task. Then, you need to face a plethora of dark and dank creatures in hand-to-hand combat. Then, you need to use your brains. That's right, your brains. If you don't, you will not succeed.

My only regret is that these books are out of print. The entire line of Fighting Fantasy novels are inaccessible to the masses. And why? These books are enth! ralling, envigorating, and enticing.

Steve, bring these books into the world again. Where else do we read about "alas and alack" or "puerile skills?" Where else can we learn about the qualities of a hydra, or the GANGEES, or the effects of looking (and not) looking into treasure chests?

Come home, Steve Jackson, come home.

The Citadel of Chaos is the second book in the successful Fighting Fantasy gamebook series, written by Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone. In this medieval style gamebook, you play the part of a wizard/warrior hero, sent to prevent an invasion, by slaying a Dark Sorcerer Warlord called 'Balthus Dire'.

In the adventure, you have to journey to Dire's citadel, explore his dastardly maze-like fortress, overcoming traps, hostile fantasy creatures and collecting certain artefacts; which you must find to complete you quest. If you manage to avoid being imprisoned or killed, you can face Balthus Dire in a melodramatic fight to the death.

This FF book is not the best one ever written but, without doubt, is an absolute FF classic. The second book in the series, the first one written by Steve on his own, the Citadel of Chaos has all the fresh enthusiasm of a first work. The traps, monsters and situations are original and exciting; a must for all FF readers.

Another thing that tipped the balance for me was the wonderfully wicked way Dire keeps putting you down when you confront him in his lair. I have vivid recollections of being branded as an 'impudent peasant' by the shaven headed scourge of Allansia. The ending is especially satisfying, if you get that far that is...

Steve, if you read this review, please email me to help me find this book again and House of Hades as well. They are my most vivid imagination memories probably I will ever have and make me feel great when I think back twelve years or so. timnamie@global2000.net

It's been quite a while since I read this book but I remember being killed many, many times by Balthus Dire. Or the ganges...

If you can possibly get your hands on this book it is worth every penny you'll pay getting it out of print.

The Citadel of Chaos is the second book in the successful Fighting Fantasy gamebook series, written by Steve Jackson and Ian Livinstone. In this medieval-stye gamebook, you play the part of a wizard/warrior hero, sent to prevent an invasion, by slaying a Dark Sorcerer Warlord called 'Balthus Dire'. In the adventure, you have to journey to Dire's citadel, explore the maze-like fortress, overcoming traps, hostile fantasy creatures and collecting certain artifacts; which you must find to complete you quest. If you manage to avoid being imprisoned, killed or getting lost, you can face Balthus Dire in a fight to the death (using your weapon or/and magic). This FF book is not the best one ever written but, without doubt, is an absolute FF classic. The second book in the series (the first one written by Steve on his own), Citadel of Chaos has all the fresh, enthusiasm of a first work. The traps, monsters and situations are original and exciting. A must for all FF readers. The ending is especially satisfying, if you get that far.........

The second of these game books. Riding on the back of the fantasy role playing game craze came these interesting books, and plenty more popped up along with them on other topics, from other publishers.

They were designed so that all you would need was a pencil and a simple randomiser and be able to carry the whole thing around with you, and introduce the game and chance into it.